Ratoath launches meals-on-wheels service

A new meals-on-wheels service has been launched in Ratoath, with local Fine Gael councillor, Regina Doherty, as chairperson. "Meals-on-wheels is an incredible service offered by a group of volunteers to people who are in need in their own community," Cllr Doherty said. "It came about whilst having a conversation with my mother-in-law, Freda, about meals-on-wheels. She has been heavily involved in meals-on-wheels in Ashbourne. I discovered that there was no meals-on-wheels service in Ratoath and we set about changing that. With a growing list of volunteers and a great deal of support and help from meals-on-wheels Ashbourne, we started our service." Hot meals are delivered to clients' homes three days a week by volunteers. Frequently the volunteer may be the only person the client sees all day, providing human contact and a safety net, particularly for those people living alone. The group is committed to reducing the isolation experienced by so many elderly people. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Freda and her team from Ashbourne for all their support in getting our service off the ground," Cllr Doherty said. If there are any people out there who would like to volunteer their services, contact her on (087) 2680 182.